House-breaking your Pit Bull puppy requires a lot of time, effort, and patience on the part of the owner. There is no set time-frame on when your puppy will be able to do this, or how long it will take, you just have to start a routine and stick with it until it is finished. Many owners lose patience with their dogs due to problems that often arise during the house breaking process. It is important to just work through them as they come, and to remember not to punish your puppy, but work through this process together.
Many things can be done along the way that will help make housebreaking faster and easier for you and your puppy. As with any type of training, you have to be consistent with the routine. Take your dog out at the same time everyday, or if you arent able to, make sure that someone else can. The puppy will soon learn when it is time to go, and eventually will know what is expected of him. You should have everyone else in the household alerted to the routine, and willing to help when needed. Sometimes it is helpful to keep a journal of your dogs habits, so that if they turn into a problem later, it will be easier to correct them.
You should also try to go outside with your puppy so that you can be sure he is going to the bathroom while he is outside, which will help avoid accidents while inside. If you are unable to go out with your puppy, he should be confined to one area such as a crate, or fenced in backyard, so that he can learn this is his space to go.
One thing that can interrupt the housebreaking process is irregular feedings. It is important that you feed your puppy the same amount at the same time everyday, and try to avoid giving him extra snacks and treats until he is successfully housebroken.
The most important thing when housebreaking your puppy is to be patient and understanding. He is going to learn overnight, and there will be messes along the way. You have to understand that this takes time, and try to maintain reasonable expectations of your puppy. It is important not to punish your puppy when that happens, rather just clean it up and accept it for what it is, part of the process. You will have a much better relationship with your puppy if you are patient with him as he grows.
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Aug 05, 2010 | | Dogs
Many people would love to own a pet dog, but are wary of the potential mess that shed dog hair can cause in their homes. These people want a dog that doesnt shed to be their companion. Unfortunately there is no such thing as a dog that doesnt shed at all. All dogs will shed and replace at least some of their hair, just like people do. There are some breeds that shed far less than others, however, and selecting one of these breeds can keep the shedding mess to a minimum.
Airedale Terrier:
The Airedale terrier is a large terrier with a rough coat that sheds very little. These dogs can be good with children, but such socialization needs to start early in the dogs life. They may play too roughly for small children. These are loyal and trainable dogs, but are also very naturally curious and not easily coaxed away from something that catches their interest. The Airedale usually grows to about 22-24 inches in height and a weight of 50-65 pounds.
Cockapoo:
The Cockapoo is reminiscent of the Poodle, especially in the face. It has a short, curly coat and does not shed much but does require above average grooming. It is actually a cross between the American Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, hence its appearance and name (Cocker + Poodle = Cockapoo). These dogs are very friendly, loyal, and playful. They are good with children and other dogs and are typically very easy to train.
Italian Greyhound:
The Italian Greyhound is a miniature Greyhound. The body style of this dog is nearly exactly like that of his racing cousins, but in a convenient, compact size. These dogs are gentle and submissive. They become very emotionally attached to their people. They are obedient and easy to train, but prone to mischief and they know when theyve been naughty. They get along well with children if the children are well behaved. If the kids are high strung and rambunctious, the dog will be too. It is best in a quiet household. The coat of the Italian Greyhound is short and sleek and they dont shed much at all.
Miniature Poodle:
The Miniature Poodle is not truly a breed all to itself, but one of the three AKC recognized sizes of Poodles. Like all Poodles, they shed very little, but their short, curly coats require considerable grooming. They are very intelligent, playful, and quite trainable. They generally get along well with children, but they can be sensitive or nervous around rowdy kids. They easily integrate with a family and feel that they have to be a part of all family activities. They will often act as though theyve been slighted if not included in family activities.
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Jun 01, 2010 | | Dogs
Hold on… Are You buying Your first Pet Dog?
Do you understand the responsiblities You have assume the moment you plan to buy a pup/dog.
A dog can be a great addition to your family as long as you are all in it together. A dog needs lots of attention and training in order to be a joy instead of a pain. Also think of the type of dog you wish to get.
It is important before making any more progress with your plans to be sure that everyone in family and even those people who work in house really want a puppy. In order to manage a puppy successfully, It must be wanted by all the family and they must all feel equal goodwill towards it.
The confident happy dog, which feels that the world is a reliable place where human behaviour is consisten will bring you compliments everywhere.
Here is a CheckList which You should complete before making any plans to bring a pup home.
Have we sufficient Space for a dog indoors and out? Dogs should not be left alone for long periods of time during a day. Going to work should be fine as long as you have a crate, but remember your dog had physical needs also.
Can we proivde companionship and interest for the dogs for the greater part of the day, especially when it’s young? Like I said, Dogs should not be left alone.
Do you choose a male or female dog? If you find your male dog is trying to dominate your household and he is unneutered, take him to your veterinarian and have him neutered. This should stop the aggressive behavior also.
Is our garden sufficiently well fenced to keep a dog in?
Where will we take the dog for exercise, Away from motor traffic and where it can be let off the lead easily and regularly
Can we afford to feed a dog properly and pay for regularl vaccinations and boosters to protect it form disease?
Have we budgeted for veterinary Fees in illness and accident or for an insurance plicy to cover those fees and our third party liability if our dog should cause an injury or damage to another person’s property?
Is our family or our environment likely to change in the foreseeable future, making the conditions for having a dog less suitable? Giving a pet as a gift whether it is a new puppy, kitten, ferret, or bunny rabbit is never a good idea.
Can we make plans afor the dog when we go on holiday, Have we budgeted for boarding kennel expenses?
Do all the family really want a dog and are we willing to be responsible owners, not allowing our dog to be nuisance in any way?
Are we happy to accpet the inconveniences associated with dog ownership? Does everyone in your home wish to get a dog? Who will be souly responsible for this new pet?
Have we the time to look after a dog, no and in forseeable future?
Additionally You should remember, If you live in an apartment I would not suggest getting something like a German shepard or a Newfoundland, both breeds are large and demand more room out of your small space.
Before you leave, I suggest you to get a Free Ebook on Train Your Dog with Understanding from http://dog-training.my-infoworld.com/dog-training.pdf . It’s a Free Book, No email to give either. Share this book with Everyone You know.
Tags:
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Compliments,
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Human Behaviour,
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May 13, 2010 | | Dogs
Before setting the bird into its lodging you should do something else
Never the less that the bird cage is new , and the perches are ecologically clean , they should be disinfected carefully . I call this operation carbonation , because as a disinfectant gas for burning is used , and gas for cigarette lighters can be used but it can be quite expensive .
How to proceed :
Wash both the bird cage and the wooden sticks with soap and hot water.
Leave them dry well especially the sticks because they soak with water and drench.
Prepare the gas and a cloth with which to put the gas over the perches and the bird cage. It is compulsory to put gloves ( surgery or household for washing plates ), otherwise you hands will smell awful.
Slightly damp the cloth , but not to drop gas from it , and carefully rub the bird cage everywhere and the perches . Now the bird cage and the perches are absolutely ready to be completed and to put the bird inside .
The disinfection is very useful for the bird because when it steps on the carbonated perches , a part of the gas gets soaked into its legs and then when scouring themselves it goes on its feathers.
It is good at least once or twice to clean the perches with gas and to change them. That is why I told you in the beginning to provide yourselves with wooden sticks .
To clean the bird cage with gas is more difficult , because you are supposed to have a spare lodging for the bird, where to put it temporarily . Nothing prevents you from cleaning the bird cage periodically with a cloth damped with gas without washing it with soap .
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Hot Water,
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May 02, 2010 | | Birds
Chewing is something that comes naturally to every dog. Every dog feels the instinctual need to sharpen its teeth and hone his biting skills. Chewing on the right things, like specially designed chew toys for instance, can even help the dog clean his teeth and remove plaque.
Even though chewing is natural and healthy, that does not mean that the dog should be given carte blanche and allowed to chew everything in sight. It is vital for every dog to learn the difference between the things it is OK to chew on, like toys and ropes, and the things that are off limits, such as carpets, shoes and other items.
When working with a new puppy, it is advisable to keep the puppy in a small, puppy proofed room for at least a few weeks. This is important not only to prevent chewing but to properly house train the puppy as well.
Older dogs should also be confined to a small area at first. Doing this allows the dog to slowly acquaint him or herself to the smells and sights of the new household.
When you set up this small, confined area, be sure to provide the puppy or dog with a few good quality chew toys to keep him entertained while you are not able to supervise him. Of course the dog should also be provided with a warm place to sleep and plenty of fresh clean water.
As the dog is slowly moved to larger and larger portions of the home, there may be more opportunities to chew inappropriate items. As the dog is given freer access to the home, it is important to keep any items that the dog or puppy should not chew, things like throw rugs, shoes, etc. up off of the floor. If you forget to move something and come home to find that the dog has chewed it, resist the urge to punish or yell at the dog. Instead, distract the dog with one of its favorite toys and remove the inappropriate item from its mouth.
The dog should then be provided with one of its favorite toys. Praise the dog extensively when it picks up and begins to chew its toy. This will help to teach the dog that it gets rewarded when it chews certain items, but not when it chews other items.
Teaching the dog what is appropriate to chew is very important, not only for the safety of your expensive furniture and rugs, but for the safety of the dog as well. Many dogs have chewed through dangerous items like extension cords and the like. This of course can injure the dog severely or even spark a fire.
Most dogs learn what to chew and what not to chew fairly quickly, but others are obviously going to be faster learners than others. Some dogs chew because they are bored, so providing the dog with lots of toys and solo activities is very important.
It is also a good idea to schedule several play times every day, with one taking place right before you leave every day. If the dog is thoroughly tired after his or her play session, chances are he or she will sleep the day away.
Other dogs chew to exhibit separation anxiety. Many dogs become very nervous when their owners leave, and some dogs become concerned each time that the owner may never come back. This stress can cause the dog to exhibit all manners of destructive behavior, including chewing soiling the house. If separation anxiety is the root of the problem, the reasons for it must be addressed, and the dog assured that you will return.
This is best done by scheduling several trips in and out of the home every day, and staggering the times of those trips in and out. At first the trips can be only a few minutes, with the length slowly being extended as the dogs separation anxiety issues improve.
Tags:
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Apr 29, 2010 | | Dogs
FREE Dog Training Tips: Easy Steps to YOU Leading the Pack part 3
[This article is the third in a 3-part series about changing dog behavior using positive dog training methods.]
Be a leader, a dog will follow.
From the last two articles, remember King and his dominant dog behavior? King was the leader of his pack — Mom, Dad, 2 kids. King set the rules in the house and didnt hesitate to enforce them, with growling, snapping, and even biting. I introduced 3 simple dog training steps to help you begin to take the leadership role back from King.
Then there was Queenie and her family (especially Mom), who gently took the leadership position. Queenie learned dog manners and wonderful dog behavior through Moms gentle but firm positive dog training methods and her consistency in teaching Queenie house rules. Queenie was eager to learn and to please and received lots of praise and tons of treats. With humans as pack leaders and dogs as pack members (preferably at the bottom of the hierarchy!), the whole household is calm and happy.
Lets talk about your household. Your angel might not be as dominant or aggressive as King, and you may have worked with her some but not quite enough to have a dog similar to Queenie. Time is sometimes a factor — with our lives as busy as they are, sometimes its difficult to make time to for even short periods of dog training. But if youll give it a little effort, the payoff will be tremendous. You can change your dog’s behavior in no time at all.
I want to give you a few more new recommendations for regaining leadership in your pack. But first, I want to review some of the ones found in the first two articles. For the complete list, go to http://www.best-dog-articles.com.
SOME REVIEW STEPS
Get their attention first — say Fidos name before you say the command.
Be kind — Use a gentle voice, give commands and direction calmly and lovingly.
Lets play — YOU start and end all games. Keep them wanting more.
Lets EAT — YOU eat before feeding the dog.
Praise, praise, praise – Pour on the praise for good dog behavior and good manners.
NEW STEPS
1. Are you sick?!
One of the first concerns with new or unwanted behaviors (e.g., excessive urination) is a health concern. Get a vet check to address any health concerns that might cause behaviors your dog has no control over.
2. Down every day!
Put your dog in a “down” position for 5-10 minutes every day. This reinforces for your dog that you are the leader. Beginning this program may involve many jump-ups. Just gently and firmly put the dog back down. (No need to restart time.) You will notice that the breaks of command quickly fall away. Its fine for your dog to sleep through this one!
3. Do that AGAIN!
Dogs love routine. They have incredible internal clocks. One activity that dogs love and that routine is important is mealtime. I suggest feeding dogs two times a day (no running buffet) within an hour window each time (e.g., 7-8AM and 5-6PM). Watch your dog — if you do something regularly, they come to expect it and act appropriately. Other activities that can become routine are morning or evening walks, Saturday errands, the time you come home from work. If its a regular thing, your dog knows its going to happen.
4. Brush, brush, brush the coat!
One activity you both can enjoy is grooming. Daily gentle grooming reinforces a loving relationship with your dog. This can become prized private time for both of you.
5. Through the paces– Every day!
Obedience training is very important to do every day, even for 5 minutes at a time. Try to avoid the military commando approach. Be consistent and kind, get your dogs attention first, praise, praise, praise for his willingness and compliance to your commands. Practicing obedience reinforces that you are the leader.
CONCLUSION
Thats it! You now have the arsenal for regaining the leadership position in your pack and getting some good dog behavior practices in place. Emphasizing the positive in your dog training efforts pays off exponentially — your dog will be your friend for life and wont be scared of you. When you establish yourself as leader, dogs respect you and will work so hard to please you. Take the time to get these easy steps into your daily routine and watch the changes magically occur.
Wishing you a calm and happy adventure with your canine companions.
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Mar 21, 2010 | | Dogs
Dog training is both frustrating and rewarding. It kills you to torment your poor puppy for months on end, trying to get them to understand commands that to them probably seem irrelevant and arbitrary. However, when they finally learn it is best for all. You are happy because they no longer eat your furniture or run away from you in the park. I am also convinced the puppy is now happier because he has learned how to manipulate you. He has learned that when you are happy you give him treats and he has also learned the things that are most likely to make you happy.
This is of course a beneficial relationship for all concerned. You get what you want and the dog gets what he wants, making everyone more pleased. Some people say that the dog is actually happier because it craves rules and boundaries. Dogs will test you to see how far they can push you because they want you to define their limitations, to give them their place in the household. I am not sure how convincing I find this argument but it makes some sense, in the way it makes sense that children with rules and boundaries tend to be better adjusted as well.
For this reason among others dog training is an important part of any household that has a dog. I have seen the houses where the poor dog is locked outside all day and night with no affection and love because he is out of control. However in my experience this is normally because no one tried to control the dog and he was allowed to push his boundaries to the max until there ceased to be any. Dog training needs to be done, and to be done well in order for the dog to truly flourish.
Tags:
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Feb 13, 2010 | | Dogs
There comes a time for most families to add a four-legged friend to the household. This decision is not one to be taken lightly. Choosing the right breed of dog can be the difference between complete happiness and absolute terror in your home. I have outlined the steps I walk through prior to bringing a dog into my home and I recommend these steps to my friends and family.
A good topic to discuss first is how much hair you are willing to put up with. You are going to have to deal with your dogs hair in some fashion. He will either shed or require grooming. Its a time vs. money question. You can always take the middle ground, though, and find a dog that sheds minimally a couple times of year.
The next thing to consider is how much time you have to devote to walks and playtime? Some breeds require a great deal of daily exercise. Without it, they can become very destructive. Choosing a breed with an energy level that fits your familys time commitment can avoid a lot of behavioral problems.
Do you prefer a small or large dog? When considering the size of dog you must really think about the cost of maintaining the dog. It costs a great deal more to feed a St. Bernard than it does a Chihuahua. Medical expenses requiring anesthesia will also be greater as physicians charge by weight. Boarding kennels and groomers may charge by weight as well. The general rule is, the larger the dog, the more expensive it will be to care for him.
What type of temperament are you looking for? If you have kids, you will want to choose a breed that has a reputation for being good with children. If you want a good watch dog, choose a breed that has a natural guard instinct.
After answering these questions, you can look through any dog breed book and start comparing the qualities youre looking for to the breeds listed. Write down at least 5 breeds that fit your needs. The next step is to research reputable breeders in your area (I recommend calling your local veterinarian first) and make contact with at least 3 for each breed. Yes, this will take time. But it is worth it to get the right dog. Interview each breeder thoroughly and share with them your list of qualities. Ask them if they would recommend their breed to you and if so, why. If not, why not? The breeder will be the expert on their breed and can prove to be a very valuable resource.
Once you have completed your research for all breeds, you will have a much clearer picture of which breed is right for you and your family. And, you have already interviewed breeders so you should have found at least one that you feel comfortable purchasing a dog from. If you dont want a puppy, please consider going through a breed rescue organization or your local animal shelter. There are so many great dogs of all ages and breed type in desperate need of good homes. Your home may just be the perfect match!
I hope you find these tips helpful in your journey to finding the perfect dog. Take your time, do your research and you will find the companion best suited for your family. Best of luck!
Tags:
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Dec 22, 2009 | | Dogs
Before You Decide To Breed Pit Bull Puppies: Dog Breeding Advice
If you are contemplating breeding Pit Bull puppies, it is important that you take the steps necessary to become a responsible breeder. There is more to being a breeder than just creating puppies. It is important to be a breeder that really cares for the dogs, not just one that is doing it only for monetary purposes. You should always have the best interest of your Pit Bulls at heart.
Before considering breeding any dog, it is imperative that it be up to date on all vaccinations, and should have a full physical exam to diagnose and treat any potential medical problems. You want the breeding dogs to be in the best health possible to ensure that the pups will be equally healthy. You should also ensure routine medical exams throughout the pregnancy and after delivery. It is important not to over breed the dogs, to give them a break between litters. Health tends to decline with higher numbers of pregnancies.
Part of being a responsible breeder is ensuring the safety of the Pit Bulls you breed. You should always be certain you are sending your animals to a loving caring home. Try to find out about the buyers lifestyle to determine if they will have time to pay adequate attention to the Pit Bull puppy, and that it will be a good fit with children or animals already in the household. Be certain that the person purchasing the Pit Bull is knowledgeable on how to care for it, training, exercise, feeding, etc. In the event the buyer isnt familiar with how to care of the dog, or has questions, you should be more than willing to help, or recommend her to resources that can. Inform the buyer of the specific needs of the dog, so that they can be prepared before taking the Pit Bull puppy home. Be up front about any suspected health problems, or any hereditary issues. Advise that all Pit Bulls need preventative care and vaccinations, and that they should obtain a good veterinarian to do this. Also, give any grooming or special care information as needed.
Caring breeders should be willing to help in any way necessary, even years after the dog has been purchased. Advise the buyer of how they can reach you if there is any problem with the Pit Bull puppy, or if they have any questions.
It is important to inform potential buyers about the aggressive nature that most Pit Bulls tend to have. Let them know that they are dogs that require a lot of love, attention, and training in order to thrive.
Most of all, love the animals that you breed. Yes, you may make money from selling your Pit Bull puppies, but in the end, it is about matching loving pet with loving owner. That is your ultimate responsibility as a Pit Bull breeder.
Tags:
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Best Health,
Best Interest,
Breed Dogs,
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Litters,
Medical Exams,
Medical Problems,
Monetary Purposes,
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Pit Bull Puppy,
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Pregnancy,
Preventative Care,
Responsible Breeder,
Vaccinations,
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Dec 02, 2009 | | Dogs
Are You the Pack-Leader? How to Communicate Effectively With Your Dog for a Harmonious Relationship
As dogs are pack animals, it is important to understand that they are always aware of their position in the pack. This pack will encompass you, your family, other pets and of course all the dogs in the household. The Alpha dog or pack leader is seen by your dog as the leader and protector of the whole pack, and it is therefore crucial that you take on this role. Your dog will be healthier and happier if it feels secure in it’s pack, knowing that his leader is doing their job and keeping everyone safe.
The first step to doing this is to know which signals your dog will understand. You will need to consistently communicate alpha signals to your dog in a compassionate and respectful way. This does not entail being aggressive, overbearing or bullying your dog! It is simply a matter of learning the language that a dog understands and using the correct signals. Mixed signals and inconsistency will confuse your dog, making him think that the pack leader is not effective. Your dog will be stressed and feel that it is encumbered upon him to try to take over as alpha to stabilise the pack. If he does this, it is not because he is being bad, but that you have given him the wrong signals.
So what are these signals and how do you communicate them effectively? Firstly, the pack leader always eats before the other pack members, so you MUST eat your dinner completely and clear the table before giving your dog his bowl of food. He should see you eating and understand clearly that he can only eat once you have completely finished. Then make him sit before placing his bowl down for him and allowing him to eat. If you have been in the habit of feeding your dog before your dinner, or even during, this may take a while for your dog to become accustomed to. Be aware that any fuss he makes while you’re eating is part of his learning process. You are giving him new signals, new information about the pack and you must let him understand this. He may need time to assimilate this new information, so be firm but patient.
Secondly, you should always lead your dog, especially through doorways and narrow passages. NEVER let your dog push past you or in front of you. The pack leader in a dog pack would never allow a subordinate dog to push past or lead the pack, and therefore neither should you. Use a leash if need be, but always ensure you enter doors, rooms, gates etc. in front of your dog. Neither should you let your dog run up stairs in front of you. This allows him to run to the top and look down on you, displaying classic dominant behaviour. The key to this is NOT to punish the wrong behaviour it is too late to do that but to not allow him to exhibit alpha behaviour in the first place. Use a leash, close doors, give a short, sharp shout, whatever your dog responds to, but remember to be firm, kind and respectful. You are talking to your dog, not trying to bully him into submission. The key for all these techniques is repetition, consistency and patience.
Tags:
Alpha Dog,
Bullying,
Dog Bowl,
Dogs,
Family Pets,
Fuss,
Habit,
Harmonious Relationship,
Household,
Inconsistency,
Job,
Mixed Signals,
Pack Animals,
Pack Leader,
Pack Members
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Nov 29, 2009 | | Dogs